The Taraba Government on Friday called on investors to take advantage of the state’s tourism potential and invest in the sector.
The state’s Commissioner for Heritage and Eco-Tourism, Joseph Nagombe made the call during the ongoing 16th International Arts and Craft Expo (INAC) in Abuja.
The expo has the theme: “Marketing Nigerian Crafts to the World”.
The commissioner, who also urged local and international tourists to visit the state known as “Nature’s gift to the world”, said Taraba is endowed with numerous natural tourist attractions.
Nagombe said that the state government would not hesitate to provide the enabling environment for investments to thrive within the state.
He said the state is endowed with historical and tourist sites like the Mambilla Plateau known as the highest mountain in Nigeria and West Africa; Gashaka Gumti National Park; Barup Waterfall; and Marmara Crocodile Pond among others.
According to him, the Nwonyo Fishing Festival by the Ibi community in the state is an iconic event to grace by tourists.
He said the members of the community come out enmass to fish on the largest lake in West Africa which runs 15 kilometres to the Benue River.
He said: “It is a beautiful opportunity to be here at the 16th INAC. We are here to exhibit the numerous tourism endowments in Taraba state.
“Taraba state is with over 2,300,736 persons, according to the 2006 census, 16 local government areas and 30 tribes.
“The state is blessed with fascinating tourism sites like the Mambilla Plateau with an average elevation of about 1,600 metres above sea level, making it the highest Plateau in Nigeria.
“The Plateau covers an area of over 9,389 square kilometres, it is definitely a tourist delight.
“The Gashaka Gumti National Park is Nigeria’s largest national park with total landmass of about 6,402 km, endowed with both fauna and floral aesthetics.”
Nagombe called on interested local and international groups or individuals to invest in different aspects of the state’s economy. He assured intending investors that the people of Taraba were hospitable, friendly and accommodating.
